A recent study sponsored by Zoho reveals a paradoxical landscape for UAE companies: while businesses feel increasingly prepared to defend against digital threats, they remain highly vulnerable due to overlooked identity security protocols. Despite nearly all surveyed organizations claiming they possess the necessary tools to handle cyberattacks, over 45 percent reported experiencing an actual breach within the last year. This discrepancy stems from a lack of visibility into workforce identities, leaving systems exposed to credential theft and unauthorized access as companies rapidly integrate AI and digital infrastructure into their daily operations.

Although there is a strong shift toward zero-trust strategies and a clear willingness to boost cybersecurity budgets over the next five years, core security hygiene remains inconsistent. The research highlights that a significant portion of UAE firms still lack essential safeguards like multi-factor authentication, enterprise password management, and robust identity access tools. As experts point out, even the most advanced AI-powered security measures cannot fully compensate for fundamental flaws in identity governance. For the UAE to solidify its position as a leading digital economy, firms must prioritize closing these entry points to ensure their long-term resilience against sophisticated cyber threats.